The Laureus World Sports Awards are an annual event that celebrates the achievements of the world’s best athletes and teams across a range of sports. The awards were first presented in 2000 and are organized by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which aims to use sport as a means of promoting social change and improving the lives of young people around the world.
The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation: Using Sport to Overcome Social Challenges and Build a Better World
The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to improve the lives of young people around the world through the power of sport. The foundation uses sport as a tool to address some of the most pressing social challenges facing young people today, such as discrimination, violence, and inequality. The foundation believes that sport has the unique ability to bring people together, promote positive values such as teamwork, respect, and fairness, and inspire and motivate young people to realize their full potential.
The foundation’s programs are implemented by local organizations in communities around the world, with a focus on ensuring that young people from disadvantaged backgrounds have access to high-quality sports development programs. These programs provide opportunities for young people to develop important life skills such as leadership, communication, and resilience, and to build positive relationships with their peers, coaches, and mentors.
The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation
The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation has a global network of partners and supporters, including leading sports organizations, corporations, and philanthropic foundations. These partners provide financial support, expertise, and resources to help the foundation deliver its programs and achieve its goals. Some of the foundation’s partners include Mercedes-Benz, IWC Schaffhausen, Allianz, and Richemont.
Since its founding in 1999, the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation has impacted the lives of millions of young people around the world and has been recognized as a leader in the field of sport for development.
The foundation’s programs have been shown to have a positive impact on a wide range of outcomes, including improved health, increased educational attainment, and reduced involvement in crime and violence. Through its work, the foundation is helping to build a more just, equitable, and inclusive world, where all young people have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
Awards ceremony location, date, and format
The Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony is an annual event that brings together some of the biggest names in sports to celebrate athletic excellence and the positive impact of sports. The location and date of the ceremony vary each year, with past ceremonies being held in cities such as Monaco, Shanghai, and Berlin.
The ceremony typically takes place in the first few months of the year, with the exact date announced in advance. The ceremony’s format includes the presentation of awards in several categories, such as Sportsman of the Year, Sportswoman of the Year, and Team of the Year.
In addition to the awards presentation, the ceremony also includes speeches from athletes, celebrities, and other guests, as well as entertainment and cultural performances. The event is typically attended by a wide range of sports stars, celebrities, and other notable figures, making it a highly anticipated event on the sports calendar.
Fans and followers of the Laureus World Sports Awards can stay up-to-date on the latest news and updates about the ceremony by visiting the official website, as well as following the Laureus social media channels. Additionally, the ceremony is usually broadcast live on television and online, allowing fans from around the world to watch and participate in the celebration of sports excellence.
Laureus World Sports Awards: History, Winners, and Selection Criteria
The Laureus World Sports Awards cover a range of categories, including the following:
Sportsman of the Year: Awarded to the male athlete who has achieved the most outstanding performance over the past year.
Sportswoman of the Year: Awarded to the female athlete who has achieved the most outstanding performance over the past year.
Team of the Year: Awarded to the team that has achieved the most outstanding performance over the past year.
Breakthrough of the Year: Awarded to the athlete or team that has made a significant breakthrough in their sport over the past year.
Comeback of the Year: Awarded to the athlete or team that has made the most impressive comeback after overcoming adversity.
Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability
Awarded to the athlete with a disability who has achieved the most outstanding performance over the past year.
Action Sportsperson of the Year: Awarded to the athlete who has achieved the most outstanding performance in an action sport over the past year.
The nominees for the Laureus World Sports Awards are selected by a panel of sports journalists from around the world, and the winners are then chosen by the Laureus World Sports Academy, which is made up of more than 60 legendary sportsmen and sportswomen. The awards ceremony is typically held in February or March each year.
Who owns Laureus?
The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation is jointly owned and supported by its Founding Patrons, Daimler AG and Richemont, and its Global Partners Mercedes-Benz and IWC Schaffhausen. The Foundation is a non-profit organization that was established in 1999 with the aim of improving the lives of young people around the world through the power of sport. The Laureus World Sports Awards are an annual event organized by the Foundation to recognize and celebrate the achievements of athletes and teams from around the world. This is to raise awareness and funds for the Foundation’s sport development programs.
The Laureus Award prize money
Laureus World Sports Awards do not offer a cash prize to the winners. Instead, the Laureus World Sports Awards are intended to honor the greatest achievements in sport and to promote the positive power of sport in bringing people together and changing lives. In addition to the recognition and honor of winning a Laureus award, the winners are also given a specially-designed trophy, which is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious awards in sports. The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation also uses the awards to raise awareness and funds for their global sport for development programs, which use sport as a tool to help young people overcome some of the world’s most pressing social challenges.
The selection criteria for the Laureus World Sports Awards are as follows:
Sporting achievement:Â The first and foremost criterion for selection is an athlete’s sporting achievement over the past year. This includes their performances in major competitions such as World Cups, Olympics, Grand Slams, and other prestigious events.
Level of competition: The level of competition in which the athlete or team has achieved success is also taken into consideration. Winning a major tournament or breaking a world record will carry more weight than winning a less competitive event.
Consistency: Consistency of performance over the course of the year is another key factor in the selection process. Nominations are more likely to be given to athletes who have consistently performed at a high level throughout the year, rather than those who have had a few exceptional performances but were inconsistent overall.
Leadership and character: Athletes who demonstrate exceptional leadership and character both on and off the field are highly valued. This includes qualities such as sportsmanship, perseverance, and dedication to charitable causes.
Global Significance: The evaluation process also considers the global significance of an athlete or team’s achievement. Sports with a widespread global presence, like football, basketball, and tennis, hold more weight compared to sports that are primarily popular in specific regions.
Voting process: The Laureus World Sports Academy, comprising over 60 sports legends, including past award winners, selects the final winners. The voting process is confidential, and the results are announced during the awards ceremony.
Overall, the Laureus World Sports Awards aim to recognize athletes and teams who have achieved exceptional success in their sport while embodying the values of sportsmanship, leadership, and character.
Honoring Excellence: Past Winners of Laureus World Sports Awards
Winners of Laureus World Sports Awards So far
Here is a list of the winners of the Laureus World Sports Awards in some of the main categories since its inception in 2000:
Sportsman of the Year
- 2023: Lionel Messi (Soccer/ Football)
- 2022: Novak Djokovic (Tennis)
- 2021: Rafael Nadal (Tennis)
- 2020: Lewis Hamilton (Formula 1)
- 2019: Novak Djokovic (Tennis)
- 2018: Roger Federer (Tennis)
- 2017: Usain Bolt (Athletics)
- 2016: Novak Djokovic (Tennis)
- 2015: Novak Djokovic (Tennis)
- 2014: Sebastian Vettel (Formula 1)
- 2013: Usain Bolt (Athletics)
Sportswoman of the Year
- 2023: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaican track and field sprinter)
- 2022: Emma Raducanu (Tennis)
- 2021: Naomi Osaka (Tennis)
- 2020: Simone Biles (Gymnastics)
- 2019: Simone Biles (Gymnastics)
- 2018: Serena Williams (Tennis)
- 2017: Simone Biles (Gymnastics)
- 2016: Serena Williams (Tennis)
- 2015: Genzebe Dibaba (Athletics)
- 2014: Missy Franklin (Swimming)
- 2013: Jessica Ennis-Hill (Athletics)
Laureus Team of the Year
- 2023:Â Argentina national football team
- 2022: Italy Men’s National Football Team (Football)
- 2021: Bayern Munich (Football)
- 2020: South Africa Men’s Rugby Team (Rugby)
- 2019: France Men’s Football Team (Football)
- 2018: Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team (Formula 1)
- 2017: Chicago Cubs (Baseball)
- 2016: All Blacks (Rugby)
- 2015: Germany Men’s Football Team (Football)
- 2014: Bayern Munich (Football)
- 2013: Red Bull Racing (Formula 1)
Breakthrough of the Year
- 2023: Carlos Alcaraz (Tennis)
- 2022: Emma Raducanu (Tennis)
- 2021: Patrick Mahomes (American Football)
- 2020: Egan Bernal (Cycling)
- 2019: Naomi Osaka (Tennis)
- 2018: Sergio Garcia (Golf)
- 2017: Nico Rosberg (Formula 1)
- 2016: Jordan Spieth (Golf)
- 2015: Daniel Ricciardo (Formula 1)
- 2014: Marc Márquez (Motorcycling)
- 2013: Andy Murray (Tennis)
Comeback of the Year
- 2023: Christian Eriksen (Football)
- 2022: Max Parrot (Snowboarding)
- 2021: Max Parrot (Snowboarding)
- 2020: Sophia Flörsch (Motorsport)
- 2019: Tiger Woods (Golf)
- 2018: Roger Federer (Tennis)
- 2017: Michael Phelps (Swimming)
- 2016: Dan Carter (Rugby)
- 2015: Schalk Burger (Rugby)
- 2014: Rafael Nadal (Tennis)
- 2013: Felix Sanchez (Athletics)
Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability
- 2023: Catherine Debrunner (Swiss athlete and teacher)
- 2022: Oksana Masters (Para Nordic Skiing)
- 2021: Oksana Masters (Para Nordic Skiing)
- 2020: Alice Tai (Para Swimming)
- 2019: Henrieta Farkasova (Para Alpine Skiing)
- 2018:Marcel Hug (Para Athletics)
- 2017: Beatrice Vio (Wheelchair Fencing)
- 2016: Daniel Dias (Para Swimming)
- 2015: Tatyana McFadden (Para Athletics)
- 2014: Marie Bochet (Para Alpine Skiing)
- 2013: Daniel Dias (Para Swimming)
Action Sportsperson of the Year
- 2022: Italo Ferreira (Surfing)
- 2021: Chloe Kim (Snowboarding)
- 2020: Chloe Kim (Snowboarding)
- 2019: Chloe Kim (Snowboarding)
- 2018: Armel Le Cleac’h (Sailing)
- 2017: Pedro Barros (Skateboarding)
- 2016: Jan Frodeno (Triathlon)
- 2015: Alan Eustace (Skydiving)
- 2014: Jamie Bestwick (BMX)
- 2013: Felix Baumgartner (Skydiving)
Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2022: Birgit Fischer (Canoeing)
- 2021: Billie Jean King (Tennis)
- 2020: Dirk Nowitzki (Basketball)
- 2019: Arsene Wenger (Football)
- 2018: Edwin Moses (Athletics)
- 2017: Nadia Comaneci (Gymnastics)
- 2016: Niki Lauda (Formula 1)
- 2015: Franz Beckenbauer (Football)
- 2014: Sebastian Coe (Athletics)
- 2013: Michael Schumacher (Formula 1)
These are just some of the categories and winners of the Laureus World Sports Awards. Over the years, the awards have recognized many other athletes and teams across various sports and categories.
Who won the first Laureus World Sports Award?
The Laureus World Sports Awards presented its inaugural awards in 2000, and the winners were:
- Laureus World Sportsman of the Year:
- Tiger Woods (Golf)
- Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year:
- Marion Jones (Athletics)
- Laureus World Team of the Year:
- US Women’s Soccer Team (Football)
- Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year:
- Janica Kostelic (Alpine Skiing)
- Laureus World Comeback of the Year:
- Niki Lauda (Formula One)
- Laureus World Lifetime Achievement Award:
- Sir Bobby Charlton (Football)
These were the first recipients of the prestigious awards, and the Laureus World Sports Awards have since become one of the most highly-regarded honors in the world of sports.
Which is the world’s biggest sports award?
The Laureus World Sports Awards stand as one of the biggest and most prestigious sports awards globally. The awards encompass a broad range of sports and categories, selected by a panel comprising over 60 of the world’s greatest sportspeople.
Who is the highest award in sports?
There is no single “highest award” in sports, as there are many different awards and honors that athletes and teams can receive. The Olympic gold medal, awarded to the winners of various events at the Olympic Games, and the Ballon d’Or, presented annually to the world’s best male footballer, stand as some of the most prestigious awards in sports.
Other significant awards include the FIFA World Cup, which is the premier international football tournament, and the Masters Tournament, which is one of the most prestigious events in golf. Additionally, many sports have their own individual awards, such as the NBA MVP award in basketball, the NFL MVP award in American football, and the ATP World Tour Finals in tennis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who has won the most Laureus World Sports Awards?
Roger Federer has won the most Laureus World Sports Awards, with a total of 6 awards to his name.
2. Who is eligible for the Laureus World Sports Awards?
Any athlete or team that has achieved outstanding success in their sport over the past year is eligible for nomination.
3. How are the winners of the Laureus World Sports Awards chosen?
The Laureus World Sports Academy, comprising over 60 legendary sportsmen and sportswomen, selects the winners.
4. What is the aim of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation?
The aim of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation is to use sport as a means of promoting social change and improving the lives of young people around the world.
5. Did Messi or Ronaldo ever receive Laureus World Sports Awards?
Yes, Lionel Messi received the Laureus World Sports Awards twice. Lionel Messi is the only footballer who received the Laureus World Sports Awards.
Conclusion
The Laureus World Sports Awards have become one of the most prestigious honors in the world of sports, celebrating the achievements of athletes and teams from around the globe. These awards recognize the incredible dedication, hard work, and talent that athletes bring to their respective sports, and serve as an inspiration to future generations of athletes.
Through the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, the awards also promote the power of sport to bring people together, to effect positive change, and to improve the lives of young people around the world. The Laureus World Sports Awards, with its rich history of past winners and a rigorous selection process, maintain a highly respected and coveted recognition in the world of sports.
